Harper's Fortune

by F. C. Clark

  ‘What are you talking about? He’s nuts about you.’

  ‘I guess. But let’s be honest: he’s handsome, loaded and lives a dream life.’ I meet Barney’s confused expression. ‘And then there’s me: the girl next door who cooks bloody fruitcakes, has no business brain, and no worldly experience.’

  ‘Is that how you really feel?’

  ‘Barney, I love Luke more than life, but let’s face it he could have any woman.’

  ‘Stop wallowing! He’s lucky to have you. I see the way he looks at you… More than that, babe, I’ve watched him when men are around you – he’s scared.’

  ‘Scared!’ I laugh. ‘Luke’s never scared.’

  ‘Flip this convo: Luke knows you could have any man; you just chose him – the shit-hot fucking model, with a large bulge in his pocket.’

  I tap his leg playfully. ‘Barney!’

  ‘His wallet, babe – that’s your dirty little mind twisting my words.’

  Barney stands next to me, ready to party, wearing skinny fitted black-waxed jeans and his beautiful new black Jones Tailor shirt. As ever, he makes women melt, and other gay men are desperate for him.

  ‘What do you think?’ I hold up two possible dresses.

  He takes the first from my hand and throws it to the floor.

  ‘Hey!’

  ‘Bloody hell, babe, that dress is fine if you’re going to a Bagrov meeting, but not for tonight. Now let me look at the next victim.’

  I hold up the other black dress, which is not as dull as its predecessor.

  Barney rubs his chin. ‘It’s not yanking my chain… What else have you got?’

  ‘Really – I thought it would look nice.’

  Barney’s right. Going out with my plus-one normally unleashes the exotic dancer in me; I need an appropriate outfit to match my alter ego.

  I walk to the far side of the closet, remembering a faux leather bandeau skater girl dress I have. Perhaps it’s a little eighties, and if my memory serves me correctly, it’s a little short. I slip it on over my black strapless bra and silk French knickers.

  I twirl. ‘Well, does this meet your expectations?’

  I open a drawer, which I have renamed the sex god drawer, and take out a pair of sheer lace-top hold-ups, with a black seam running down the back. I slip them on, ensuring the line is straight.

  Barney returns just as I finish. ‘Bloody hell, babe.’

  ‘You like?’ I raise my brows.

  ‘You’re a saucy bitch. I take it that’s a personal invite for some nookie.’

  ‘I bloody hope so.’

  Eight o’clock arrives and Thomas drives us safely to SGI. It’s far too early for hardcore clubbers. We are greeted by the super-efficient manager and escorted to the VIP area. The entire zone has been allocated to Barney’s private party. Everyone who enters the zone will be given a black wristband.

  The area looks perfect for a Barney party. Cocktail tables are draped with silver cloths with ice buckets and chilled champagne. The DJ begins his sound check, pumping volume through the entire building.

  ‘Kate.’

  I turn to see Kiki, which surprises me, as she’s usually fashionably late.

  ‘Hiya.’ I pull her towards me. ‘You OK?’

  ‘Fine. I see Barney’s already performing.’ She smiles with pride at our dearest friend, lapping up the attention he’s receiving.

  ‘He’s been excited all day.’

  ‘I can imagine. Did he like the studio?’ Kiki pours some champagne and passes me a glass.

  ‘He loved it. Cheers – here’s to Barney, may he be happy in life.’

  ‘Barney.’ Kiki salutes the birthday boy, scanning the room. ‘I take it I’m the first to arrive.’

  ‘Yes, weirdly, I know how much you love to be on time.’

  ‘Only when it matters. So, who else is coming?’ She downs her first glass of bubbly and pours another. Is she numbing her sadness?

  I reach across for her hand. ‘Don’t bullshit me, Marlow. As far as I know, Declan’s not coming.’

  ‘Kate, I’m not bothered.’ Her eyes meet mine. ‘Sure, I liked him, and clearly he liked fucking me – but nothing else.’ She downs her second glass.

  Oh, crap. ‘I knew you bloody liked him. Look, I think he’s not ready for a relationship. Even so, I hate seeing you like this – it pisses me off that Declan hurt you, and I told Luke that.’

  ‘What? That’s the last thing I want; he thinks he’s God’s gift to women. Luke had better not bloody say anything.’

  This is the first time I’ve seen Kiki need and want to be with someone for the right reason – her heart.

  Within the next half an hour the entire pack arrives. Molly is the first, with her expanding stomach, swollen ankles – and, of course, Danny. Worryingly, she still has quite a few weeks to go – how large is she going to get? Harry and Raymond join our cocktail table, completing our circle. The only one missing is Luke.

  By nine thirty the music is pumping and the dance floor is full to capacity. A tug on my arm informs me Barney wants to go downstairs and dance. My night of inflicting pain on my feet is about to commence. Barney drags me to the dance floor, where we find a small space in the centre, surrounded by hot, clammy bodies. Instantly, the music pumps through my veins, encouraging me to gyrate provocatively with Barney. Here comes my alter ego for the evening.

  Soon I am overheating and dehydrated. A Barney dance workout is not for the faint-hearted. He asks if I’d like a drink, and I nod eagerly. He takes my hand and leads us to the bar directly in front of the dance floor.

  Barney catches the eye of the bartender; I can just about hear him order two bottles of sparkling water. Thank God. I down my drink and instantly feel the coldness enter my body.

  ‘Hey, what’s your opinion of the staircase here?’ I feel someone breathing on my neck as his words filter through my ear.

  I turn to see an unexpected face. ‘Mr Bradley Taylor… Are you stalking me?’

  ‘If I said yes, would you run?’ He flashes his all-American smile.

  ‘Maybe. What are you doing here? This is not your neck of the woods.’

  ‘My what?’ he shouts over the music.

  ‘Sorry, what are you doing here?’

  He points to the far corner. ‘I went to university with that guy – he now lives in London, not far from here.’ His eyes lock on mine. ‘And you.’

  ‘My best friend’s birthday party is upstairs.’ I pull Barney’s arm – he’s engrossed in conversation with someone to his right. ‘Barney, this is Bradley Taylor, the architect working on the hotel in New York for Bagrov and Cooper. Bradley, this is my best friend and the guest of honour, Barney.’

  As ever, Barney doesn’t disappoint me. Bradley wasn’t expecting a kiss on the cheek from the birthday boy. I can’t help but snigger. Barney looks at me, noticing how dashing the American is.

  ‘No, he isn’t gay!’ I laugh, leaving Bradley looking a little confused. He can’t be gay. If he’s gay, I need a new gaydar…

  Bradley shakes his head. ‘No, I’m not.’

  I lean towards him, as the noise is incredible. ‘Just checking. I didn’t think you were.’

  Barney tugs at my arm. ‘I’m going in, babe. You joining me or staying put with Mr Ivy League?’

  ‘You go and I’ll join you in a minute.’

  Barney disappears into the sea of bodies.

  I turn to face Bradley.

  ‘So, Kate Harper, I have another question for you.’ This time he is serious. There is sexual tension in the air. Fuck, have I unwittingly caused this?

  ‘Go ahead, Mr Taylor, I’m all yours.’ Shit, don’t speak, Kate, for Christ’s sake; let’s hope that was lost in translation.

  ‘I like the sound of that.’

  Crap!

  ‘If my
timing was better, would you have considered going on a date with me?’ He moves a stray strand of hair away from my eyes, skimming my cheek with his finger. Holy shit, please don’t touch me.

  ‘I can’t answer that; you know I’m engaged.’

  ‘Kate, hypothetically speaking, if you were single, on the market and available, what would your answer be?’

  ‘Maybe – I don’t know. You’re a really nice guy, and—’

  ‘Nice!’ He looks away.

  ‘Nice is good. I could have called you an arsehole or self-assured.’

  ‘Nice hurts my ego.’

  ‘OK. You’re good-looking and you seem like one of the good guys. But you know I’m engaged, so it’s irrelevant what I think. Why don’t you come upstairs and meet my friends? Luke should be here soon.’ I know I can’t avoid him because of Bagrov and Cooper, I decide to be polite. Perhaps if he sees me with Luke again he will back off. Besides, Kiki is single and available!

  ‘Deflection. Are you treating this like a business meeting?’

  ‘Oh God, no! I don’t do business jargon. Honesty, that’s all I know. Follow me.’ I turn to leave the tension between us, but he tugs my arm.

  I stop. He’s directly behind me, and his rough cheek brushes against my face as he leans to my ear.

  ‘Kate, I don’t want to make you feel awkward, but there’s something about you that I would love to get to know. If timing were on my side, I would sweep you up in my arms and take you to my bed. Honesty – is that what you want to hear?’

  No!

  ‘Yes, you are handsome and charismatic, but—’

  He places a finger over my lips.

  ‘Timing, Kate, that is all I’m talking about, if things were different. I know you feel the same.’

  I fold my arms so he can’t touch me. Only one person has the right to do so – although he is missing from the party.

  We head towards the VIP area and Bradley gets a wristband. I see the pack standing where I left them.

  ‘Hi, everyone, I would like to introduce you to Bradley Taylor: he’s the architect working for Bagrov and Cooper in New York.’

  ‘Hey,’ he raises his hand in greeting and leans to my ear. ‘I thought perhaps we could call ourselves friends.’

  Playfully, I nudge his arm. ‘Of course we are. Let me introduce you to Kiki – she’s single.’ I wave my arm at Kiki, gesturing for her to meet Bradley.

  ‘I’m not really interested in anyone else right now, but thanks for the offer.’ Great! Surely Kiki is attractive? I’m engaged.

  ‘Kiki, this is Bradley Taylor – you remember the good-looking architect I was telling you about from New York?’ I turn to Bradley. ‘This is Kiki, another best friend.’

  ‘Hi,’ she says. Is that it? The only time I need rescuing from a male predator and she’s off-colour… Bloody peachy.

  ‘Maybe you two should go and get a drink.’ I smile, pulling Kiki’s arm towards Bradley.

  ‘Only if you join us, Kate.’ Bradley smirks, clearly playing me.

  ‘Fine.’ I head towards the bar with the two singletons who are refusing to play ball. ‘What do you want to drink?’ I look at both of them.

  ‘Tequila – actually, a bottle and a shot glass. Do you feel like getting pissed, Mr American?’ Kiki snaps. Apparently rude and abrupt is on the menu this evening. I can’t wait until I catch up with Declan.

  ‘Something’s rattled you?’ Bradley says to Kiki.

  ‘Men! I think you’re all the same.’ Really? Since when do you hate men?

  Jesus, Kiki. ‘OK. Tequila it is.’ Within minutes the glasses are lined up on the bar. ‘Ready, shall we down them in one?’

  ‘Whatever,’ Kiki says and downs hers.

  Three empty glasses are lined up on the bar. There is an awkward silence.

  Kiki takes the bottle and her glass. ‘Don’t mind me; I’ll leave you both to it.’ She disappears and returns to the pack. Are you kidding me?

  ‘She’s not herself tonight.’

  ‘She’s not you, Kate.’ He looks at me. I swallow hard.

  ‘Let’s get back to the others.’ I walk quickly to the table.

  I introduce Bradley to Danny, hoping they may have a common interest as Kiki has let me down. Shit, what the hell has Declan done to her?

  Silently, I people-watch, until I smell a familiar smell. No need to turn, I shut my eyes and inhale.

  ‘Took you long enough. I was getting worried.’

  He moves to my ear. ‘You were?’

  I turn to see the love of my life, looking shit-hot in black jeans and a slate-grey shirt. I link my arms around his neck. His eyes are almost black; even in the dim lighting of the club I can see how dark they are. Dark and seriously pissed off meets dark and very confused.

  ‘I would like to talk to you in private.’

  I nod. ‘OK.’

  Luke kisses me ferociously, piercing me with his wild passion. As ever I respond; my body would never allow me to question its need for him. He releases me and looks across to the table and the audience we have gained. ‘Good evening. I hope you’re all enjoying yourselves.’ His mouth moves to my ear. ‘I see a new face at your table.’

  ‘Bradley – yeah, I bumped into him at the bar downstairs. He’s here with some friends who live in London.’ Was that convincing?

  ‘Interesting.’ Interesting! One very small word leaves a doubt in my mind.

  With my hand in his firm grip Luke begins to walk – actually, Luke drags me.

  I stop and pull at his arm. ‘I can’t walk that quickly.’ He looks at me, his eyes black. ‘What’s wrong?’

  He pulls me into his arms as though his life depends on it. ‘I need you now,’ he says in my ear, his words ricocheting to my core.

  I take the lead, striding in front of him.

  We reach the door to his office, and the keypad. I turn to him.

  ‘Venice,’ he says.

  The word means so much to us both, but his face remains solemn.

  ‘Really? OK.’ I input the date, the very special date that seems to be inscribed in our memories: the date our lives changed forever.

  The door opens and I step forward. Within seconds I hear it close and the lock secured. Luke immediately bands his arms around my waist, and his lips head towards my neck, caressing my skin. I tilt my head, enticing him to do more of the same. Luke turns me to face him, sliding his hand up my thigh. I wait for his approval of my stockings. Bingo – he takes a deep breath and closes his eyes.

  He lifts me and places me firmly on the edge of his desk. Rough and unwavering is his chosen mode tonight. I’m not complaining, but I am confused.

  ‘Explain yourself, Sutton.’

  His eyes meet my mine, while his hands travel up my legs, reaching the apex of my thighs.

  ‘I need you is that not enough?’

  ‘Bullshit. You always need me, but you don’t always need me like this.’

  His mouth fixes on mine as he links his fingers round my knickers and slides them off. I reach out for his belt and the zip of his jeans, and release his erection.

  The touch of his fingers against my clit takes my breath away. I have wanted him since this morning.

  ‘Unzip your dress – I want to suck your tits and make you come.’

  ‘Romantic this evening?’

  ‘Don’t push me, Kate, not tonight.’

  Not tonight? Why not? I have no time to think, as the sensation of his fingers against my clit triggers a rush of sensation through my core.

  I pull my dress above my head, leaving myself almost naked. He slides my strapless bra to my waist and lowers his soft lips to my nipples, moving from one to the other, painfully and deliciously arousing me. His heavy erection lies thick and ready in my hands.

  ‘I need to fuck you.’ Tonight is abo
ut ownership, pure and simple.

  He gently lowers me to the desk, aligning the tip of his hardness to my sex. I turn my head to the computer screen. What the hell? Luke impales me at the very same time I see various black-and-white images of Bradley Taylor talking to me, at the bar.

  ‘Luke!’ I cry out, shocked at the images and his hardness, which is like a steel rod.

  Luke bends over me. Using a mouse he enlarges an image – shit, it’s an image of Bradley touching my cheek. I can see how this must appear to Luke.

  He’s played me. He’s fucking me on his desk in direct view of Bradley. I try to regain normality – not an easy task with Luke hitting the spot deep inside and my clit lost in the sensation of a Sutton hand-job.

  ‘Luke, talk to me.’ Miraculously, I manage to speak!

  ‘Baby, I have eyes and ears everywhere.’

  Wow, he is in full control of the situation. How can he hold off needing to come? My orgasm is building, and I know I can’t withstand the sensation for much longer.

  ‘You know I love you.’ I pull him towards me, needing his mouth on mine.

  ‘I know.’ His free hand moves the mouse again, enlarging an image of my eyes. ‘I told you, I can read you. You’re mine, baby.’

  ‘Yes – kiss me, I want to come.’

  His mouth hits my lips as he continues to work me hard.

  I turn my head to breathe. ‘Luke…’

  My entire body contracts in a wave of orgasm. I lose myself in the sensation. My pulsating clit throbs, with Luke’s hand delivering the very last drop of euphoric pleasure. He pumps me with strength and vigour, releasing his anger in the form of hot fluid deep within me. He needed to possess me.

  His hips stop moving, but his erection remains hard and deep-rooted inside me. Will there be round two?

  I catch my breath. ‘How long have you been here? More importantly, how long have you been watching me?’

  ‘Two questions you should not be asking me, Harper.’

  ‘Luke, how long have you been watching me?’

  He lowers his head, layering tender kisses across my ribcage.